FREE Holiday Parking Holiday shopping downtown just got easier! Parking is always FREE on Sundays in downtown Chapel Hill, but this holiday season The Town of Chapel Hill will be offering downtown patrons and visitors FREE parking on Saturdays! Parking will be free until 5 p.m. in the Wallace Parking Deck located at 150 E. Rosemary Street and at the Rosemary /Columbia Lot (formerly Lot 2) located at 100 E. Rosemary St.Also, parking will be free at on-street meters and at the West Franklin Lot (formerly Lot 3) located at 415 W. Franklin St and the West Rosemary Lot (formerly Lot 4) located at 100 W. Rosemary St on Dec. 1,8, 15, 22 & 29. Happy Holidays! www.franklinstreetparking.com

Will the World End on Friday?On Friday, December 21 at 8PM join the Morehead Planetarium for a very special "End of the World" edition of the popular "Carolina Skies" planetarium show. Amy Sayle leads this show and explains very clearly why Maya myths are scientifically wrong! Regular ticket prices apply -$7.25 adults, $6 seniors/students. www.moreheadplanetarium.org

Don't Get Left in the Cold!

Uniquities has got something special for every woman on your list. Get the perfect fit with new denim from AG and Citizens of Humanity. Shop cashmere sweaters, scarves, and wraps. Complimentary gift wrapping! The shop, located at 452 West Franklin Street will be open until 4PM on Christmas Eve! www.uniquities.com

Pop-up Guitar Shop

West Franklin Street features a great holiday pop-up shop for that musician on your holiday shopping list! Open Monday-Saturday 1PM-8PM and Sundays 1PM-PM the pop-up shop is run by the Music Loft of Carrboro offering adult and youth guitars, banjos, and accessories. Located next to Chapel Hill Cleaners, across from McDonald's.

Franklin Street Yoga celebrates the Winter Solstice Celebration on Friday, December 21 at 9:15am, 4:00pm, 4:15pm, 5:45pm. It's a powerful time to take an inner journey as the longest night of the year arrives. The classes will feature a Chandra Namaskar flow or moon salutations. Moon Salutations are a variation of the classic Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) and are designed to be relaxing and restorative for the body and mind. Ease the stress of the holidays with a Christmas Day class with Lori on Tuesday, December 25 at 11AM. www.franklinstyoga.com

Get Glam for the New Year

Ready for those holiday parties? Look and feel good after a day of beauty - the perfect way to start fresh in the new year. Downtown Chapel Hill's salons offer hair styling, makeup applications, mani/pedis and more - for men, women, and kids!

Talulla's Celebrates NYELet Talulla's be a special part of your New Year's celebration! They are open Monday, December 31 from 4PM to 2AM with a celebratory menu offering a four course pre-fixe menu. Al la carte dining from the dinner menu also available at the bar tables. After dinner Dj Yianni will be spinning the best in international & top 40 music with a live midnight countdown on 8 ft.projection screen. Make reservations at 919-933 1177 orwww.talullas.com

Artsy Gifts Abound at Ackland

Now until the end of the year the Ackland Museum Store has extended holiday shopping hours - even open on Christmas Eve so you can find a uniquely artsy gift for that special someone on your list! In conjunction with the Ackland's "Season of Japan," the Ackland Museum Store is featuring an in-store Japanese Market showcasing Japanese products and crafts that quote tradition with a contemporary flair.www.ackland.org/shop

Now Showing:

Rock IN the New YearLa Residence is hosting a New Year's Eve Bash with a three course menu, champagne specials, live music during dinner, and midnight drink specials and DJ; $35 per person for dinner. www.laresidencedining.com

Every Gift is a Work of Art

Somethin' Else boasts an eclectic and unique collection of Handmade American Craft comprised of local and national artists. Whether you are looking for gift ideas, handmade silver jewelry or a funky fun piece for your home, Somethin' Else has the perfect gift for that someone on your list that seems impossible to buy for! Also offering ceramics, clocks, cards, and much more. Located at 318 West Franklin Street. www.somethinelsenc.com

for a cheerful list of family-friendly activities and traditional holiday events in downtown Chapel Hill. Now featuring downtown restaurants that are OPEN on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve!

Do your shopping right here in your hometown supporting local shops and our local economy. There are many

Three staff members at The Franklin Hotel admire the annual holiday window display showcased in the hotel's windows, bringing much-loved art and holiday spirit to Franklin Street.

End of the World Dance Party

This is it people -- Zog's is celebrating the end of the world with Studio Gangsters and DJ Apokalypto TODAY -Thursday, December 20 at 9PM. At midnight, the world blows up, but if it doesn't then the Studio Gangsters take the stage. $2 cover, or free if you dress 80's, 90's, or post-apocalyptic! http://zogsbar.wordpress.com

Trivia Night at BeerStudyTODAY - Thursday, December 20 at 7PM gather your friends - only the smart ones- and take on expertly crafted trivia by Taylor McAdams at Beer Study - downtown Chapel Hill's bottle shop located at 106 Graham Street. Gift prizes to be had for the winners.www.beerstudy.com

Sound & Image Improv at FRANKFRANK GALLERY hosts a collaboration of music and image, featuring the Carrboro-based ensemble mahaloJazz and videographer Nic Beery of Beery Media TODAY - Thursday, December 20, 6-8PM. mahaloJazz will travel among the collaborative self-portraits of photographer Barbara Tyroler's Layers Exhibition, offering improvised musical response for each work. Nic will produce a live-feed video perspective of the musicians as they perform. www.frankisart.com

Spanky's New Menu & Gift CardsHaving trouble thinking of gifts for friends and family? Spanky's Restaurant is here to help! Offering gift cards available for purchase at the restaurant, by telephone oronline. And they can be used at any of the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group restaurants: Squids, 411 West, 518 West, Mez and soon, at the all new Page Road Grill! Spanky's now offers anew Gluten Free & Vegan menu too!

Don't Go Stir-Crazy with the Kids

The Chapel Hill Department of Parks & Recreation is showing two FREE movies this holiday break. On Friday, December 28, at 5:30pm, watch Brave at the Hargraves Community Center. On Monday, December 31 at 2pm, catch Cars 2 at the Chapel Hill Community Center. Chairs are provided but you may bring something cozy to sit on. Children under 10 must be accompanied by someone over 16. Popcorn will be served before the movie while supplies last so get there early! Doors open 30 minutes before each show. For more information call (919) 968-2784 or visit www.townofchapelhill.org/communityevents.

The Downtown Partnership got a copy of Syd's Hair Shop's annual calendar featuring Hair by the Decades for 2013! Proceeds from the calendar go to local nonprofits. Makes a great holiday gift!

Brunch & Breakfast with SantaSanta is coming to The Carolina Inn! Enjoy a festive brunch or breakfast that will undoubtedly usher in the Christmas magic for young and old alike. Magicians and face painters will be on hand to entertain. Each child is welcome to sit on Santa's lap and share their Christmas wish list. Every child will leave with a holiday treat!www.carolinainn.com

Featuring a DJ playing all your favorite tunes, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and an overall great time! Start the evening with dinner for two for $50, which includes a three course dinner of either Salmon or Prime Rib, a salad or appetizer starter, and a decadent chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Accepting reservations now - 919.240.4411 /www.rnrgrill.com

The Nomads Annual Bash

The much-loved local band The Nomads are hosting their famous 10th annual party to usher in the new year at Breadmen's Restaurant on Monday, December 31 from 8PM to 1AM. The Nomads are also celebrating 50 years of bringing our community rock and roll love! Featuring hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast, party favors, and a midnight breakfast buffet. $45 per person, party attire. Call 929-4745 for reservations and information.

Artisan Pizza Kitchen,153 East Franklin Street, features their famous Artichoke Pizza, sandwiches, burgers, specialty pizzas, salads, and more in a very customer-friendly atmosphere.

The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership is working to bring the resources of the Town, University and downtown community together to maintain, enhance and promote downtown as the social, cultural, and spiritual center of Chapel Hill through economic development. www.downtownchapelhill.com

The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership's mission is to bring the resources of the Town, University and downtown community together to maintain, enhance and promote downtown as the social, cultural, and spiritual center of Chapel Hill through economic development. Learn more here.